Welcome to the online version of From the policy deskevening bulletin that brings you the latest reporting and analysis from the campaign trail, the White House and Capitol Hill from the NBC News Politics team.
In today’s edition, political reporter Allan Smith examines how Democrats are turning to football to connect with voters. Plus, Chief Political Correspondent Jonathan Allen
Sign up here to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday.
Democrats are adding football to their election year playbook
By Allan Smith
With the NFL season it officially starts tonightDemocrats see an unexpected opening to make gains with voters this fall.
Embracing football represents a change for a growing party critical of the game – especially about player safety. But starting with the presidential ticket, Democrats are showing their conscience.
Vice President Kamala Harris called Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz a “coach” when she introduced him as her new running mate at her first joint rally. One of the first stops on the campaign’s pre-convention bus tour was in Pennsylvania, where Walz spoke to his high school football team. Walz got his cheer last month at a convention in Chicago when a parade of his former players took the stage wearing their old jerseys.
Harris campaign too introduces a new TV commercial ties former President Donald Trump to Project 2025, which will air during Saturday’s Michigan-Texas college football game and Sunday’s Atlanta Falcons-Pittsburgh Steelers NFL game.
It’s an effort that also broadens the ballot. Former NFL quarterback Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, who is challenging Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, has touted his football connections extensively on the campaign trail, including a speech before the Democratic convention.
Maryland governor Wes Moore, a rising star of the party who played football at Johns Hopkins University, suited up for an internship at the University of Maryland in July. Prominent Democrats like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro regularly include football metaphors and references in interviews and on the stump.
“Football opens doors that are completely non-political and every Texan understands,” Allred said of the role the game played in his campaign, adding, “It’s a language we speak pretty fluently here in Texas.”
Debate mission for both campaigns: Identify Harris
By Jonathan Allen
It’s hard to say there’s much going on in the next presidential debate after it cost the last president, Joe Biden, his candidacy. However, like Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump be prepared to argue with each other The stakes are real for both on Tuesday in Philadelphia.
Right now, they are locked in a tight race, and recent history suggests it will continue until Election Day. The most likely outcome of the match hosted by ABC News is a relative draw, leaving the contest unchanged. After all, in nearly a decade on the national political stage, there is little Trump can do to change the way voters view him.
But polls show that perceptions of Harris, who has been the Democratic standard-bearer for just six weeks, are less harsh. There is room for debate to help or hurt him.
Trump has the option to take the lead or pull back on his heels. He will certainly be ready to throw a punch as always. Harris has not been in a competitive environment since he was chosen to replace Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket.
Whatever happens Tuesday night, some voters will form a more complete opinion of Harris based on the results. So the mission of both campaigns is to define it.
Trump wants voters to see a more liberal version of Biden. Harris wants them to see someone younger and more agile.
Either way, all eyes will be on Harris.
🗞️ The best stories of the day
- ⚖️ Hunter Biden Trials: Hunter Biden has pleaded guilty to all charges brought against him in a federal tax case, a surprise move that avoided a potentially embarrassing trial for the president’s son. More →
- ⚖️ Trump’s tests: U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan said the 2024 election would not allow Trump to determine the timeline of the election case, saying it would be an “exercise in futility” to set a trial date for the appeals at this point. More →
- 🏫 Back to School: The return of college students to campus also marks the return of pro-Palestinian protests, raising an issue that has put Democrats back in the spotlight. More →
- 🌍 Pressure on the White House: Families of American hostages are pushing the Biden administration to bypass Israel and negotiate directly with Hamas. More →
- 🏃 Biden’s home turf: JoeBaden aims to use his final months in office to cement his legacy with trips abroad and visits to Republican parts of the country. Meanwhile, he is about to announce he said he would formally block Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel. More →
- 🔁 Retweet: Trump said he plans to adopt a government efficiency commission plan to cut federal spending if billionaire Elon Musk is elected, adding that Musk is willing to lead the commission “in time.” More →
- 💰 Cash Dash: Harris’ political campaign raised more than $300 million in August, more than double what Trump’s campaign did during the same period. More →
- ✅ Take sides: Former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., has announced she will vote for Harris for president. More →
That’s all for the Policy Desk for now. If you have feedback – like it or not – send us an email politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com
If you are a fan, please share with anyone and everyone. They can register here.